Criticism of reality television

<p>The <a href="/facts/Reality_television/B0RFLdsB">reality television</a> genre, and specific reality television shows, have been subject to significant criticism since the genre first rose to worldwide popularity in the 1990s. Much of the criticism has centered on the use of the word "reality", and such shows' attempt to present themselves as a straightforward recounting of events that have occurred. Critics have argued that reality television shows reflect reality in ways that are deceptive or even fraudulent through misleading editing, coaching participants on what to say and how to behave, generating storylines ahead of time, and staging or re-staging scenes for the cameras.
</p><p>Other criticisms of reality television shows include that they are intended to humiliate or exploit participants (particularly on competition shows), that they make celebrities out of untalented people who do not deserve fame, and that they glamorize vulgarity and materialism. Actor and filmmaker <a href="/facts/Gary_Oldman/wJoBpLb1">Gary Oldman</a> described reality television as "the museum of social decay", while journalist <a href="/facts/Ted_Koppel/EtpBIszV">Ted Koppel</a> questioned whether it marked "the end of civilization".
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Criticism of reality television open-in-new

Criticism of reality television